Title: Community initiatives for environment-based economic development in a depressed region: a case study from the West Coast of New Zealand

Authors: Paul Dalziel, Caroline Saunders

Addresses: AERU Research Unit, Commerce Division, P.O. Box 84, Lincoln University Post Office, Canterbury, 7647, New Zealand. ' AERU Research Unit, Commerce Division, P.O. Box 84, Lincoln University Post Office, Canterbury, 7647, New Zealand

Abstract: This paper presents a case study from the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand of a small remote community that responded to the closure of its dairy factory and sawmilling operations with projects to create new opportunities based on the region|s outstanding natural attractions. Features of this case study include the way in which local people created a community trust to bring together volunteers with different skills to work on the projects and the partnership role played by central government in supporting the Trust|s initiatives. The success of the project depended on infrastructure investment to encourage tourists to extend their stay in the region.

Keywords: regional economic development; cost-benefit analysis; ecotourism; environment-based development; depressed regions; New Zealand; tourism; remote communities; community trust.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBG.2007.015056

International Journal of Business and Globalisation, 2007 Vol.1 No.3, pp.391 - 403

Published online: 06 Sep 2007 *

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